Car noob strikes again! Third time in 2 days

[Patt]

OK, OK, I really know how noobish I am when it comes to cars, but I think this is beyond normal. I took a battery I had inside my house for the winter, and went to hook it up to my truck this afternoon.

I connected the negative terminal first (the one connected to the ground), and when I went to connect the positive terminal, there was a brief spark, and the starter turned over and the engine started! No key in the ignition, I double-checked. The only way I could turn it off was sticking the key in and engaging the starter again.

Is this thing just electrically screwed, or is there some logical explanation someone can offer?

Thanks.

 

[dud]

If you did not have the starter engaged (by having the key in and turning it) at the same time that you connected the battery then it sounds like you have an electrical short. This is not a good thing ...

 

[The Stigenator]

yeah you got an electrical short if its doing that.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Well, first of all, you connected the battery backwards. You connect the positive terminal first and then the ground. Still, what you describe should not be technically possible and would be an indication of a malfunction.

ZV

 

[dpert1]

starter relay = fvcked

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Well, first of all, you connected the battery backwards. You connect the positive terminal first and then the ground. Still, what you describe should not be technically possible and would be an indication of a malfunction.

ZV

If this is true, could that have caused some sort of short? Or is it more likely a pre-existing condition?

Interestingly enough, I went back out (in blinding snow I might add) to tinker last night, and I hooked up the battery again. The truck did not start this time. So I went to the truck, and actually started it with the key, and had no problems ... that is, until I went to turn it off.

I could take the key out of the ignition entirely, and the truck kept running! I had to disconnect the battery terminals, and then turn the key again to have the damn thing turn off. And yes, I do have a mechanic/electrical dude coming over to have a look.

 

[Vetterin]

1. Sorry to hear about your Canadian snow.
2. You either have a bad ignition lock cylinder or else that is where the short is.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Atleast you didn't do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC7yVGf4-KI

 

[dud]

Originally posted by: Patt

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Well, first of all, you connected the battery backwards. You connect the positive terminal first and then the ground. Still, what you describe should not be technically possible and would be an indication of a malfunction.

ZV

If this is true, could that have caused some sort of short? Or is it more likely a pre-existing condition?

Interestingly enough, I went back out (in blinding snow I might add) to tinker last night, and I hooked up the battery again. The truck did not start this time. So I went to the truck, and actually started it with the key, and had no problems ... that is, until I went to turn it off.

I could take the key out of the ignition entirely, and the truck kept running! I had to disconnect the battery terminals, and then turn the key again to have the damn thing turn off. And yes, I do have a mechanic/electrical dude coming over to have a look.

Sorry about your cold weather ... wish we could have some down here in Florida. It's already getting into the high 80's and it's only April!

You did a smart thing getting a mech/electrical "dude" to come over and look at it. Your truck's electrical (ignition) system is screwed up. Imagine NOT being able to turn off your engine ...

 

[LTC8K6]

"I could take the key out of the ignition entirely, and the truck kept running!"

Now we probably know why it started when you hooked up the battery. You've got an ignition switch and/or wiring problem.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
"I could take the key out of the ignition entirely, and the truck kept running!"

Now we probably know why it started when you hooked up the battery. You've got an ignition switch and/or wiring problem.

:thumbsup:

Ignition switch.

ZV